16 cases of mumps reported in Ohio State outbreak

COLUMBUS — Public health officials say 16 mumps cases have been confirmed in an outbreak at Ohio State University.

Columbus Public Health spokesman Jose Rodriguez says officials expect to see more cases because those who contract the virus can be contagious for weeks and about one-third of them generally don't show symptoms.

Doctors are concerned the contagious infection might spread to other locales with many students traveling away from campus during this week's spring break.

Rodriguez says health officials throughout Ohio have been warned to watch for mumpssymptoms and cases that might be connected to the outbreak. Officials are working to trace its origins.

The cases involve seven females and nine males. The students range in age from 18 to 48. Some had severe symptoms; none was hospitalized.